FLINT, Michigan — Flint Mayor Dayne Walling was re-elected Tuesday night to a city that — as far as the state of Michigan is concerned — is in the midst of a financial emergency.

A few hours before the polls closed on election day, state officials announced the findings of a review panel that showed a "local government financial emergency" exists in Flint.

The eight-member panel, appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder, also recommended a state takeover of the city's finances.

So even though Walling easily won re-election by nearly 2,000 votes, the question is: Will he remain at the city's helm if an emergency financial manager is appointed?

"We'll just have to take it step by step," Walling said Tuesday, soon after declaring victory against challenger Darryl Buchanan.

Final results show Walling won with 8,819 votes, or 56 percent, while Buchanan had 6,868 votes, or 44 percent.

Walling was welcomed to his victory party at the White Horse Tavern to chants of "Four more years!" from supporters.

Despite the announcement of the financial emergency, Walling said the election was a "major victory" for his campaign.

"The people have clearly spoken," he said.

As for the potential of an emergency manager, Walling said "that's the governor's decision to make."

"He has a job to do and I have a job to do here in the city," he said. "I look forward to waking up tomorrow morning and working for the city."

After accepting defeat, Buchanan said he believes the election results may have turned out differently if voters had earlier access to the review panel's report.

"Why they chose to release it today, three hours before the polls closed, baffles me," Buchanan said. "Voters in America should be given all the information necessary to make an intelligent decision as to who should lead them politically in the future."

Before the polls closed, and before the panel's report became public, Flint resident Arthur Whitner said he voted for Walling to see what the mayor can do with a full four-year term.

"I like the way he's been handling things so far," said Whitner, 54, as he left the polls at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. "I want to give him another chance to make things better."